Biking vacations may be ticket for active travelers

April 22, 2011|By Georgina Cruz, Special Correspondent

Travelers who would enjoy seeing the sights from a vantage point close to the ground and with a breeze on their faces may wish to check out the many opportunities offered by bicycle tour companies on several continents. Cyclists usually enjoy a camaraderie that results from sharing an off-the-beaten path adventure with others in a group, and often find that getting there by bike is all the fun.

If going by bicycle appeals to you, here is a selection of programs available this season. Generally, bicycle tours provide a bicycle for use during the program, guides, a support vehicle, luggage service and cover fees related to sightseeing. Tour operators give information on terrain difficulty and the number of miles cyclists will cover each day. Many meals, including breakfasts, dinners and some lunches are usually included in the tour price as is lodging. For additional details on a particular program, contact the specific company you are interested in.

-- Austin-Lehman Adventures, an active travel company offering programs in Yellowstone National Park, Europe Africa and other locales, is featuring two new cycling explorations in Europe. One of the programs is a Tyrol Bicycle Tour from Innsbruck, Austria to Lake Garda. This tour is mostly downhill or flat with views of the Dolomites, castles and churches. Participants sip regional wines and dine on local fare. Tour dates are May 21-30, June 18-27 and Sept. 3-12. Per person, double occupancy rate is $4,598 ($980 single supplement). Another new program from Austin-Lehman is a Tuscany Bike Tour. A more challenging ride, it begins in Florence and takes in Chianti vineyards, Siena San Gimignano and other sights. A six-night/seven-day tour, it has departures scheduled in April, May, June, September and October. Cost is $3,398 per person, double ($680 single supplement). Visit www.austinlehman.com.

-- Backroads, an active travel company, is offering a Vineyards & Andean Culture Off the Beaten Path in Northern Argentina. The biking program takes in views of the Patagonian Steppe and the Andes. Participants will ride through high altitude valleys, canyons, subtropical forests and a cactus national park, experience gaucho culture, and become acquainted with the wines and food of the region. Meeting/departure point is Salta, Argentina. A seven-night/eight-day tour, prices range from $4,598 to $4,798 per person, double ($920 single supplement). Departures are slated for Nov. 6 and 27. Visit www.backroads.com.

-- ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a company that features bicycle tours on five continents, is offering two departures of a new cycling adventure across the Scottish Highlands. The eight or 11-day programs feature time to sample freshly smoked salmon, ales and whisky while pedaling by the heather from the North Sea to the Atlantic. Departures are July 3 and Sept. 4 and arrival/departure cities can be either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The eight-day Bicycling Scotland's Highlands Coast to Coast cover 229 miles, averaging 33 to 45 miles a day. Per person, double rate is $3,895 (single supplement is $600). The 11-day Bicycling Scotland's Highlands Coast to Coast Plus! The Isle of Skye trip covers 364 miles and extends by a ferry ride an adventure in the Hebrides. Rate is $5,245 per person, double (single supplement is $900). Visit www.experienceplus.com.

-- Summer Feet Cycling Vacations offers a varied menu of bike tours including three, six and seven-day bike tours featuring Arcadia National Park and other park areas. The company also offers custom programs, self-guided tours and a camping version of one of its trips. One offering is a six-day cycling vacation, Maine's Gold Coast, taking in Camden and Acadia National Parks. Departures are slated in June, July, August, September and October. Cost is $2,195 per person (single supplement is $500). Visit www.summerfeet.net.